2013 AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications

Transcription

1 2013 AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications AARP s Pennsylvania State Office, in response to its commitment to ensure reliable telecommunications service for all residents, commissioned this survey to explore the views of residents age 50+ on their telephone service. These results are based on a telephone survey fielded August 29 to September 7, 2013 with Pennsylvania residents age 50 and older. A total of 802 interviews were completed yielding a margin of error of ±3.5 percent. The data in this report have been weighted to reflect the age, gender and geographic location of the population age 50+ in Pennsylvania. An annotated survey of the weighted responses begins on page 7 followed by a description of the methodology. Survey-In-Brief Nearly all (94) Pennsylvania residents age 50+ are satisfied with their landline telephone service; however, they are split in their level of concern about future landline service rates. 97 percent of Pennsylvania residents age 50+ have landline telephone service in their homes. 67 percent of these residents are extremely or very satisfied with their landline telephone service and another 27 percent are somewhat satisfied. About half (54) are extremely, very or somewhat concerned about being able to afford the cost of landline service over the next three years while a little less than half are not very or not at all concerned (45). Four in five Pennsylvania residents age 50+ are unlikely to cancel their landline telephone service and use only a cell phone for all of their calling needs. 80 percent say they are not very or not at all likely to disconnect their landline service over the next 12 months and use only a cell phone. 50 percent say they receive some calls on their landline and some on their cell phone while only 11 percent say they receive all or almost of their calls on their cell phone. Three-quarters of Pennsylvania residents age 50+ strongly oppose legislation that would allow landline telephone service providers to terminate service in rural areas of the state. 74 percent strongly oppose allowing landline telephone service providers to stop service in rural parts of the state and another nine percent somewhat oppose this action. Opposition is stronger among rural residents compared to non-rural residents (85 percent versus 70 percent). More than half of Pennsylvania residents age 50+ opposes taking away the authority of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to oversee the rates charged and the quality of service provided by landline telephone service providers. 58 percent strongly or somewhat oppose legislation that would take away the PUC s authority to oversee the rates charged by landline telephone service providers in Pennsylvania. 61 percent strongly or somewhat oppose legislation that would take away the PUC s authority to oversee the quality of services provided by landline telephone service providers in Pennsylvania AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 1

2 Detailed Findings Pennsylvania residents age 50+ are satisfied with their current landline telephone service; however, they are split in their concern over being able to afford this service over the next three years. Almost all respondents (97) say they currently have landline telephone service at home. Of those respondents with landline service, 67 percent pay a set monthly price for bundled services on their landline telephone while 29 percent do not. More than two-thirds are extremely or very satisfied with their landline telephone service. Another quarter indicates they are somewhat satisfied while only six percent say they are not very or not at all satisfied. Just over half is extremely, very or somewhat concerned about being able to afford the cost of their landline service over the next three years. On the other hand, nearly half is not very or not at all are concerned about affording this service. Satisfaction with Landline Telephone Service (n=802) Not sure/no answer, 1 Extremely satisfied, 25 Not very/not at all satisfied, 6 Somewhat satisfied, 27 Very satisfied, 41 Concern About Affording Landline Telephone Service Rates (n=802) Extremely concerned, 13 Not sure/no answer, 1 Not at all concerned, 24 Very concerned, 18 Not very concerned, 21 Somewhat concerned, 23 Most Pennsylvania residents age 50+ own cell phones and they are satisfied with their cell phone service. Four in five (81) respondents say they currently have a cell phone. Approximately three in five of those respondents with a cell phone are extremely or very satisfied with their cell phone service. Another third is somewhat satisfied while only eight percent are not very or not at all satisfied. Satisfaction with Cell Phone Service (n=645, Respondents with Cell Phones) Extremely satisfied, 18 Very satisfied, 41 Not sure/no answer, 1 Not very/not at all satisfied, 8 Somewhat satisfied, AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 2

3 Pennsylvania residents age 50+ most often receive calls on both their landlines and cell phones. Half of respondents who have landlines and cell phones say they receive some calls on their landline and some calls on their cell phone. About two in five report that they receive very few calls on their cell phone. Interestingly, only 11 percent receive all or almost all of their calls on a cell phone. 100 Method of Receiving Phone Calls (n=627, Respondents with Landlines and Cell Phones) All/almost all calls on cell Some calls on cell/some on landline Very few calls on cell 1 Not sure Most Pennsylvania residents age 50+ are not likely to cancel their landline telephone service in their home. Four in five say they are not very or not at all likely to disconnect their landline service over the next 12 months and use only a cell phone for all of their calling needs. Likelihood of Disconnecting Landline Service and Using Only Cell Phone Service* (n=777, Respondents with Landlines and Cell Phones or No Cell Phones) Not at all likely, 61 Not very likely, 18 Somewhat likely, 12 *Percentages may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding. Not sure/no answer, 2 Extremely likely, 2 Very likely, AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 3

4 Pennsylvania residents age 50+ are not likely to cancel their landline telephone service because they like the security this service gives them or they cannot depend on wireless service where they live. Of those respondents who are unlikely to disconnect their landline service, a quarter (24) says it is because they want to have security in case of an emergency or power outage. About one in eight says they will not disconnect their landline service because wireless service is not dependable where they live (12). Pennsylvania residents age 50+ strongly oppose legislation that would allow landline telephone service providers to terminate service in rural areas of the state. Of those respondents who are unlikely to disconnect their landline service, approximately three-quarters strongly oppose allowing landline telephone service providers to terminate landline service in rural areas of Pennsylvania and another one in ten somewhat oppose this action. Respondents who live in rural areas are much more likely to oppose this legislation than respondents who live in non-rural areas (85 versus 70). Support for or Opposition to Allowing Landline Telephone Service Providers to Terminate Landline Service or Areas* (n=731, Respondents with Landlines and Not Likely to Disconnect Landline) Strongly oppose, 74 Somewhat oppose, 9 *Percentages may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding. Neither support nor oppose, 10 Not sure/no answer, 2 Strongly support, 3 Somewhat support, AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 4

5 The majority of Pennsylvania residents age 50+ opposes taking away the Public Utility Commission s oversight of the rates charged and the quality of the service provided by landline telephone service providers in the state. Nearly half strongly opposes legislation that would take away the Public Utility Commission s (PUC) authority to oversee the rates charged by landline telephone service providers in Pennsylvania while another one in eight somewhat opposes this legislation. Approximately half also strongly opposes legislation that would take away the PUC s authority to oversee the quality of the services provided by landline telephone service providers in Pennsylvania and another one in eight somewhat opposes this legislation. Support for or Opposition to Taking Away PUC Oversight of Landline Telephone Service Rates (n=802) Strongly oppose, 46 Support for or Opposition to Taking Away PUC Oversight of Landline Telephone Service Quality (n=802)* Strongly oppose, 48 Somewhat oppose, 12 Neither support nor oppose, 13 Not sure/no answer, 6 Strongly support, 14 Somewhat support, 9 Somewhat oppose, 13 Neither support nor oppose, 14 Somewhat support, 9 *Percentages may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding. Not sure/no answer, 6 Strongly support, AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 5

6 Demographic Profile of Respondents GENDER Male Female AGE EMPLOYMENT STATUS Employed FT Employed PT Retired Unemployed VOTING BEHAVIOR HOME TYPE Always 52 Single family 75 Most times 23 Mobile/Town/Apartment/Condo 21 Half the time 8 HOME OWNERSHIP Seldom/Never 16 Own Rent RACE/ETHNICITY White Black Other PARTY AFFILIATION Democrat Republican Independent Other Hispanic 2 POLITICAL VIEW EDUCATION Conservative 41 Post graduate study/degree 17 Moderate 29 College degree 15 Liberal 18 Post HS education no degree 26 HS diploma or GED 34 No HS diploma 7 MARITAL STATUS Married/Living with Partner 56 Separated/Divorced 13 Never married 12 Widowed AARP MEMBERSHIP Yes 42 No 56 INCOME Less than $35k 31 $35k - <$75k 26 $75k or more AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 6

7 2013 Pennsylvania Utilities Survey on Telecommunications (Survey Sample: 50+ General Population in Pennsylvania) ( (602 in non-rural areas and 200 in rural areas, sampling error = ±3.5) INTRODUCTION/SCREENER Hello, this is calling from Woelfel Research, a national opinion research firm. We are not telemarketers and are not trying to sell you anything. We would like to find out your opinions on your electricity and telephone service. Your views are important and we would greatly appreciate your participation. All your responses will be kept entirely confidential. S1. Our study is interested in the opinions of certain age groups. Could you please tell me your age as of your last birthday? [IN YEARS] [RECORD ACTUAL AGE AND USE THE AGE GROUPS BELOW TO KEEP TRACK OF HOW MANY RESPONDENTS WE ARE GETTING IN EACH GROUP. ADDITIONALLY, WE NEED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING AGE BREAKS FOR OUR SEGMENTATION DATA: 50-64; 65+; 50-59, 60-74; AND 75+] Base: Respondents or older S2. Are you a resident of Pennsylvania? Base: Respondents Yes [GO TO S3] No [THANK AND TERMINATE] [INTERVIEWER READ: Now, I am going to ask you about your electricity and telephone service providers.] S3. Does your household pay an electricity bill? Base: Respondents Yes [GO TO S4] No [SKIP TO S5] Not sure [SKIP TO S5] <0.5 <0.5 - S4. What is the name of the company that you receive your electricity bill from? [DO NOT READ THE LIST BELOW. THE LIST IS JUST FOR CODING PURPOSES. IF THE RESPONDENT GIVES A COMPANY THAT IS NOT ON THE LIST SIMPLY RECORD THE NAME OF THE COMPANY. ALL OF THE COMPANIES LISTED IN BOLD ARE THE LARGEST ELECTRICITY COMPANIES IN THE STATE AND PROBABLY THE ONES THAT WILL BE MOST OFTEN MENTIONED.] 2013 AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 7

8 Base: Household pays an electricity bill N=764 N=566 N=197 Adams Electric <0.5 <0.5 - Alleghany Power Ambit Energy <0.5 - <0.5 Central Electric 1-2 Claverack <0.5-1 Commerce Energy Inc Con Ed Solutions < Dominion Energy Duquesne Light First Energy Met Ed Mxenergy <0.5-1 Northwestern Electric <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Peco Energy Penelec Pennsylvania Power & Light <0.5 <0.5 - Penn Power Pike County Light & Power <0.5 <0.5 - PPL REA 1-3 Electric 1-2 UGI 2 2 <0.5 Washington Gas Energy Services <0.5 <0.5 - Wellsboro 1-2 West Penn Power Other Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] <0.5 <0.5 1 S5. Do you buy your telephone service from Verizon or some other company? Base: Respondents Verizon [GO TO S6] Some other company [SKIP TO S7] Not sure [DO NOT READ] [SKIP TO S7] Refused [DO NOT READ] [SKIP TO QUESTION 1] <0.5 <0.5 - S6. Do you subscribe to Verizon FIOS service? [IF RESPONDENT ASKS WHAT VERIZON FIOS IS READ Verizon FIOS is a bundled telephone, Internet access and television service which operates over a fiber-optic communications network. This service is offered is some areas of the United States. ] Base: Buy your telephone service from Verizon N=415 N=327 N=90 Yes [SKIP TO QUESTION 1] No [SKIP TO QUESTION 1] Not sure [DO NOT READ] [SKIP TO QUESTION 1] Refused [DO NOT READ] [SKIP TO QUESTION 1] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 8

9 [ASK IF S5 = SOME OTHER COMPANY OR NOT SURE] S7. What is the name of the company that you buy your telephone service from? [RECORD THE NAME OF THE COMPANY.] Base: Buy your telephone service from some other company N=387 N=275 N=100 Armstrong AT&T Blue Ridge Cavalier Century Link Citizens Comcast Consolidated Communications 1-3 Frontier Full Service Network Ironton RCN Service Electric Time Warner T-Mobile Vonage Windstream Other Not sure [DO NOT READ] [GO TO QUESTION 1] Refused [DO NOT READ] [GO TO QUESTION 1] Main Questionnaire [INTERVIEWER READ: Now I would like to ask you a few questions about your telephone service.] Q1. Landline telephone service refers to service received through a telephone line physically connected to your home that enables you to make and receive local and long-distance calls. Do you currently have landline telephone service at home? [INTERVIEWER IF ASKED, INFORM THAT LANDLINE DOES NOT INCLUDE MODEM LINES, FAX LINE, HOME SECURITY, BEEPERS, SKYPE, PAGERS, ETC) Base: Respondents Yes No [SKIP TO QUESTION 5] Not sure [DNR] [SKIP TO QUESTION 5] Refused [DNR] [SKIP TO QUESTION 5] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 9

10 Q2. And would you say you are extremely satisfied, very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not very satisfied, or not at all satisfied with your landline telephone service? Base: Currently have landline service at home N=777 N=583 N=193 Extremely satisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not very satisfied Not at all satisfied Not sure [DO NOT READ] 1 1 <0.5 Refused [DO NOT READ] <0.5 - <0.5 Q3. As you may know, for one set monthly price, phone companies can offer consumers a bundle or combination of extra phone services in addition to their basic phone service that could include call waiting, caller ID, Internet, or long distance. Do you currently pay a set monthly price for bundled services on your landline telephone? Base: Currently have landline service at home N=777 N=582 N=193 Yes No Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] Q4. How concerned are you about being able to afford the cost of your landline service over the next 3 years? Would you say you are extremely concerned, very concerned, somewhat concerned, not very concerned, or not at all concerned? Base: Currently have landline service at home N=777 N=582 N=193 Extremely concerned Very concerned Somewhat concerned Not very concerned Not at all concerned Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 10

11 Q5. In Pennsylvania, the Public Utility Commission or PUC oversees telephone service providers. The PUC assures that rates charged for landline service are fair and that quality service is provided. If you have a problem or a complaint about billing or other service-related issues, you can go to the PUC for help. How strongly do you support or oppose legislation that would TAKE AWAY the PUC s authority to oversee the rates charged by landline telephone service providers in Pennsylvania? Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, strongly oppose or do you neither support nor oppose? Base: Respondents Strongly support Somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 <0.5 1 Q6. How strongly do you support or oppose legislation that would TAKE AWAY the PUC s authority to oversee the quality of the services provided by landline telephone service providers in Pennsylvania? Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, strongly oppose or do you neither support nor oppose? Base: Respondents Strongly support Somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Q7. As you may know, cellular or wireless phones, also known as cell or mobile phones, are portable telephones that can be used away from your house or just about anywhere. These are not cordless phones that only work within a limited distance of a base unit plugged into a phone jack. Cellular service is received through a connection from a wireless telephone to a nearby radio transmitter receiver or tower enabling you to make local and long distance calls. Do you personally have a cellular or wireless telephone that you use to make or receive calls? [IF RESPONDENT REPORTS THEY HAVE A CELL PHONE THAT CAN ONLY BE USED TO PLACE 911 CALLS, RECORD A NO RESPONSE.] Base: Respondents Yes No [SKIP TO QUESTION 10] Not sure [DNR] [SKIP TO QUESTION 10] Refused [DNR] [SKIP TO QUESTION 10] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 11

12 Q8. [IF Q1 = NO, NOT SURE, REFUSED SKIP TO Q9] Which of the following best describes how you and any other adults living in your household receive all of the telephone calls coming into the household? [INTERVIEWER: ACCEPT ONLY ONE] Base: Currently have landline telephone service at home and cellular or wireless telephone N=627 N=480 N=147 All or almost all of the calls are received on cell phones Some calls are received on cell phones and some are received on a regular, landline phone Very few calls are received on cell phones Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] Q9. And would you say you are extremely satisfied, very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not very satisfied, or not at all satisfied with your cell phone service? Base: Have cellular or wireless telephone N=645 N=494 N=152 Extremely satisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not very satisfied Not at all satisfied Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] < Q10. [ASK IF Q1 = YES AND Q7 = YES OR NO] Looking ahead over the next 12 months, how likely are you to disconnect your landline service and use ONLY a cellular or wireless phone for all your telephone needs? Are you extremely likely, very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely to use ONLY a cellular or wireless phone for all your telephone needs? Base: Currently have landline telephone service at home and know whether or not have cellular N=777 N=583 N=193 Extremely likely [SKIP TO QUESTION D1] Very likely [SKIP TO QUESTION D1] Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] <0.5 <0.5 < AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 12

13 Q11. [ASK IF Q1 = YES AND Q7 = YES OR NO AND Q10 = SOMEWHAT LIKELY, NOT VERY LIKELY, NOT AT ALL LIKELY, NOT SURE, REFUSED] And why do you think you ll keep your landline phone and NOT use a cell phone only for all your phone calls? [INTERVIEWER: DO NOT READ LIST USE FOR CODING MULTIPLE RESPONSES ALLOWED] Base: Currently have landline telephone service at home and know whether or not have cellular and not likely to disconnect landline N=727 N=545 N=181 Want security in case of an emergency or power outage/my phone works in emergency/outages Wireless is not dependable where I live Wireless is not available where I live Wireless service or the wireless phones are too expensive/cheaper to keep my phone Do not understand the technology/i am not good with technology or devices Don t want to be bothered/too connected to others/do just fine without Don t want too many phone numbers Always had it / Used to it Better quality service Cell is for emergency only Can t hear well on cell Convenience Do not like cell Don t need cell Easier to use Everyone knows landline number Do not own a cell phone Like my landline better Bundle/package deal/internet with landline Privacy Safer 1 <0.5 2 Don t want to pay for cell Don t have to charge a landline or carry it around 2 2 <0.5 Like landline for sales calls / doctor calls Medical alert / pacemaker connected to landline Use landline for work / business Don t leave the house very often Cell phone causes cancer / radiation Other [DO NOT READ] Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 13

14 Q12. [ASK IF Q1 = YES AND Q7 = YES OR NO AND Q10 = SOMEWHAT LIKELY, NOT VERY LIKELY, NOT AT ALL LIKELY, NOT SURE, REFUSED OR ASK IF Q1 = YES AND Q7 = NOT SURE OR REFUSED OR ASK IF Q1 = NOT SURE OR REFUSED] Currently in Pennsylvania, major telephone service providers like Verizon are required to provide basic landline telephone service to all areas in which they currently offer service. Legislation has been proposed in Pennsylvania that would allow these telephone service providers to get rid of landline service in rural or less populated areas. How strongly do you support or oppose legislation that would allow telephone service providers to get rid of landline service in rural or less populated areas? Would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, strongly oppose or do you neither support nor oppose? Base: Currently have landline telephone service at home and not likely to disconnect landline N=731 N=549 N=181 Strongly support Somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] Demographics The following questions are for classification purposes only and will be kept entirely confidential. D1. RECORD RESPONDENT S GENDER. ASK ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY: To ensure it is recorded accurately, could you please state your gender? Base: Respondents Male Female D2. What is your current marital status? Are you.. [READ EACH ANSWER CATEGORY]? Base: Respondents Married Not married, living with your partner or significant other Separated Divorced Widowed Or are you currently single and never married Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 14

15 D3. IF D2 = 1 ASK: Are you or your spouse currently a member of A-A-R-P? IF D2 = 2 ASK: Are you or your partner currently a member of AARP? OTHERWISE ASK Are you currently a member of AARP? Base: Respondents Yes No Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] D4. Thinking about who lives in your household, do you currently.[insert AND READ ITEMS A THROUGH C BELOW]? D4a. Have any children under age 18 living with you Base: Respondents Yes No Refused [DO NOT READ] D4b. Have any children over age 18 living with you Base: Respondents Yes No Refused [DO NOT READ] D4c. Have any children away at college Base: Respondents Yes No Refused [DO NOT READ] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 15

16 D5. What is the highest level of education that you completed? [READ EACH ANSWER CATEGORY] Base: Respondents 0 to 12 th grade, but with no diploma High school graduate or equivalent Post high school education, but with no degree year degree year degree Post graduate study, but with no degree Graduate or professional degree Not sure [DO NOT READ] <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Refused [DO NOT READ] D6. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? [READ EACH ANSWER CATEGORY] Base: Respondents Self-employed full-time Self-employed part-time Employed full-time Employed part-time Retired and not working at all Unemployed and looking for work Or are you not in the labor force for other reasons Refused [DO NOT READ] D7. Do you own or rent your primary residence? Base: Respondents Own Rent Not sure [DO NOT READ] <0.5 1 <0.5 Refused [DO NOT READ] D8. What type of home is your primary residence? [READ EACH ANSWER CATEGORY] Base: Respondents Single family home Mobile home Town home or duplex Apartment Condominium or coop 1 1 <0.5 Something else Not sure [DO NOT READ] <0.5 <0.5 - Refused [DO NOT READ] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 16

17 D9. Are you of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino origin or descent? Base: Respondents Yes No Not sure [DO NOT READ] <0.5 <0.5 1 Refused [DO NOT READ] D10. Which of the following best describes your race? [READ EACH ANSWER CATEGORY]? Base: Respondents White or Caucasian Black or African American Native American or Alaskan Native <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Asian Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander <0.5-1 Hispanic <0.5 <0.5 1 Mixed <0.5 <0.5 1 Refused [DO NOT READ] D11. Thinking about your state elections for Pennsylvania Governor and Legislators in the last 10 years, which of the following best describes your voting behavior? Would you say you vote always, most of the time, about half of the time, seldom, or would you say you never vote? Base: Respondents Always Most of the time About half of the time Seldom Never Not sure [DO NOT READ] <0.5 <0.5 - Refused [DO NOT READ] D12. Do you consider yourself to be a.[read AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS A THROUGH C BELOW, THEN INSERT SOMETHING ELSE AT THE END] Base: Respondents Democrat Republican Independent Something else Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 17

18 D13. In general, would you describe your political views as very conservative, somewhat conservative, moderate, somewhat liberal, or very liberal? Base: Respondents Very conservative Somewhat conservative Moderate Somewhat liberal Very liberal Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] D14. What is your 5-digit zip code? D15. We realize income is a private matter and so rather than ask you anything specific about your income, I d like to ask you to please stop me when I get to the category that includes your household s income before taxes in Was it.[read EACH ANSWER CATEGORY]? Base: Respondents Less than $10, $10,000 to less than $20, $20,000 to less than $35, $35,000 to less than $50, $50,000 to less than $60, $60,000 to less than $75, $75,000 to less than $100, $100,000 to less than $125, $125,000 to less than $150, $150,000 to less than $200, $200,000 or more Not sure [DO NOT READ] Refused [DO NOT READ] AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 18

19 Methodology The 2013 AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications was conducted through telephone interviews with a sample of 802 respondents ages 50 and older drawn at random from the state of Pennsylvania. The interviews were conducted in English by Woelfel Research, Inc. from August 29 through September 7, The results from the study were weighted by age, gender and non-rural/rural residence. The margin of error for the complete set of 802 interviews is ±3.5. Respondents were screened to insure that they were residents of Pennsylvania and age 50 or older. Quotas were set to collect 200 interviews among respondents residing in rural areas and 600 interviews from respondents residing in non-rural areas. and rural were defined at the county level using data from the 2010 US Census. The questionnaire was developed by AARP staff. In order to improve the quality of the data, the questionnaire was pretested with a small number of respondents. The pretest interviews were monitored by Woelfel Research, Inc. and AARP staff. The response rate for this study was 44 percent and was calculated using AAPOR s response rate 3 method. The cooperation rate was 84 percent as calculated using AAPOR s cooperation rate 3 method. 1 Throughout the report, statistics representing survey responses are reported in percentages which may not add up to 100 due to rounding and non-response. Also due to rounding, the percentages reported in the text may vary slightly from those in the annotation or in graphs. 1 Calculated using AAPOR s Outcome Rate Calculator Version 2.1, May AARP Survey of Pennsylvania Residents Age 50+ on Telecommunications Page 19

20 AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at State Research brings the right knowledge at the right time to our state and national partners in support of their efforts to improve the lives of people age 50+. State Research consultants provide strategic insights and actionable research to attain measurable state and national outcomes. The views expressed herein are for information, debate, and discussion, and do not necessarily represent official policies of AARP. AARP staff from the Pennsylvania State Office, Campaigns, State Advocacy and Strategy Integration (SASI) and State Research contributed to the design, implementation and reporting of this study. Special thanks go to AARP staff including Ray Landis, Associate State Director of Advocacy in Pennsylvania; Chryste Hall, and Steven Griffin, Campaigns; Janee Briesemeister and Coralette Hannon, SASI; Rachelle Cummins, Kate Bridges, Darlene Matthews and Cheryl Barnes, State Research; and Michael Schuster, Office of General Counsel. Please contact Joanne Binette at for more information regarding this survey. AARP Research For more information about this survey, please contact Joanne Binette at: or jbinette@aarp.org